Counseling services for Michigan agricultural workers resume with federal support
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EmailCounseling services for Michigan’s agricultural community have been restored following a lapse in funding that left many without support.
Counseling services for Michigan’s agricultural community have been restored following a lapse in funding that left many without support. Michigan State University Extension’s Managing Farm Stress program has secured federal funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, allowing free, confidential counseling to once again be offered to individuals working in farming, forestry and fisheries across the state.
The return of services comes after months of uncertainty. As previously reported, the program was forced to suspend counseling last summer when state funding was not renewed and federal grant support temporarily expired. During that gap, many agricultural workers faced the prospect of paying out-of-pocket for services that had been widely viewed as essential. Typical counseling sessions cost around $150 each, placing these services out of reach for many, especially for farm families that have seen other expenses rise.
The renewed funding restores a critical resource for a population facing persistent mental health risks. Agricultural workers continue to experience one of the highest suicide rates among all occupations in Michigan. Economic volatility, unpredictable weather, long working hours and the weight of multigenerational farm ownership contribute to what experts describe as a perfect storm of stress.
The MSU Extension managing farm stress program previously delivered more than 550 counseling sessions and reached thousands through educational outreach. Counselors familiar with agricultural life provide mental health professional support tailored to the unique pressures of the industry, including financial strain, isolation and the challenge of separating work from personal life.
Program leaders in the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network emphasize that removing financial barriers is central to access. When services were free, participation increased and stigma decreased. During the funding lapse, many individuals discontinued care or chose not to seek help at all.
With federal funds now available for a limited time, eligible individuals can again receive counseling at no cost. The program is open to those directly involved and working in Michigan agriculture. Services are designed to be flexible (such as online) and confidential, recognizing the demands and privacy concerns common in rural communities.
The reinstatement of funding is expected to stabilize access in the near term, though long-term sustainability remains uncertain. MSU Managing Farm Stress program leaders continue to explore additional funding sources to ensure continuity.
For Michigan’s agricultural sector, an industry employing tens of thousands and contributing billions to the state’s economy, the return of counseling services restores more than a program. This funding re-establishes a support system many describe as vital to both personal well-being and the survival of family operations.
Individuals seeking services can contact Michigan State University Extension for more information or referrals.
MSU Extension has more information about recognizing and supporting someone showing signs of suicide and what to expect when reaching out to 988 national suicide and crisis hotline.
Opportunities to Connect
For those in the agriculture industry and their families, resources and information can be found at the Managing Farm Stress website. These resources include teletherapy services, the free virtual training Rural Resilience, the AgrAbility project - which supports people with disabilities working in agriculture, and more.
